1. Describe the stasis in the play: where, when, who, what, etc. in a paragraph.
The stasis occurs in Hollywood with 2 Asian-American males. Bradley Yamashita is a 27 year old man and Vincent Chang is in his 60s.
The two are actors that have varied experiences in Hollywood as being "other-ed." Bradley seems more aware of being uncomfortable in a room full of Caucasian actors.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion occurs when they begin competing and being rude to one another. It almost feels as though the two know that there is not enough room in the industry for 2 Asian-American male actors and they feel the need to push the other out. This is a symptom of the chronic exclusion of Asian American actors in the entertainment industry.
3. What is the unique factor?
This is the day Braley Yamashita and Vincent Chang meet. Bradley describes it as "the old meeting the young." They discuss their different approaches to being included in the industry.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Who is right about their tactic? Bradley or Vincent?
Are Vincent's tactics harmful to the Asian-American community as a whole and beneficial only to the individual?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Known to one: each character has a set of asides that furthers the development of their character to the reader but not to the other man.
Known to all: Bradley supposedly killed a man who bothered his date.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
The most theatrical moment occurs when their argument reaches a climax and Bradley tells Vincent that he looked like monkey in his last role.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Asian-American identity
Competition within the film-industry
Toxic masculinity
Stereotypes
8. Choose one of the two characters in the show and tell me why you decided to choose to discuss him. Then articulate what he wants and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of him getting what he wants?
I think Vincent is an interesting character because he is at a disadvantage in the industry because of his race and his age. Older actors are often forgotten and forced to retire by the industry. Combine that with the limited roles available in the industry for an Asian-American actor and he is truly the exception in the industry. He clearly feels threatened by Bradley who is new to the industry because Bradley has not had to fight for his place in Hollywood like Vincent has. Vincent wants to continue having a successful career but sees Bradley as an obstacle in the way of his wants. As he continues to age, he probably feels pressured to take any role offered, no matter how stereotypical, because he knows how limited his options are as an aging actor. In the end, his want is survival and he doesn't want to be lectured by an inexperienced actor about the consequences of his decisions.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the physical placement of the two, standing outside a balcony while the rest of the party rages on conveys that they are and will always be outsiders.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Although the two are not related, respecting elders is a huge value in Asian cultures. Vincent feels disrespected by his younger colleague. Bradley admires Vincent as a mentor but isn't afraid to be highly critical of him. This is highly unusual in Asian cultures and shows another way in which Bradley is challenging the status quo.
The stasis occurs in Hollywood with 2 Asian-American males. Bradley Yamashita is a 27 year old man and Vincent Chang is in his 60s.
The two are actors that have varied experiences in Hollywood as being "other-ed." Bradley seems more aware of being uncomfortable in a room full of Caucasian actors.
2. What is the intrusion?
The intrusion occurs when they begin competing and being rude to one another. It almost feels as though the two know that there is not enough room in the industry for 2 Asian-American male actors and they feel the need to push the other out. This is a symptom of the chronic exclusion of Asian American actors in the entertainment industry.
3. What is the unique factor?
This is the day Braley Yamashita and Vincent Chang meet. Bradley describes it as "the old meeting the young." They discuss their different approaches to being included in the industry.
4. What is the dramatic question that should be answered by the end of the play?
Who is right about their tactic? Bradley or Vincent?
Are Vincent's tactics harmful to the Asian-American community as a whole and beneficial only to the individual?
5. Provide an illustration of the two kinds of exposition that the play has in it.
Known to one: each character has a set of asides that furthers the development of their character to the reader but not to the other man.
Known to all: Bradley supposedly killed a man who bothered his date.
6. Identify the most theatrical moment in the play and of what importance it seems to be.
The most theatrical moment occurs when their argument reaches a climax and Bradley tells Vincent that he looked like monkey in his last role.
7. List some of the themes of the play.
Asian-American identity
Competition within the film-industry
Toxic masculinity
Stereotypes
8. Choose one of the two characters in the show and tell me why you decided to choose to discuss him. Then articulate what he wants and what are some obstacles that stand in the way of him getting what he wants?
I think Vincent is an interesting character because he is at a disadvantage in the industry because of his race and his age. Older actors are often forgotten and forced to retire by the industry. Combine that with the limited roles available in the industry for an Asian-American actor and he is truly the exception in the industry. He clearly feels threatened by Bradley who is new to the industry because Bradley has not had to fight for his place in Hollywood like Vincent has. Vincent wants to continue having a successful career but sees Bradley as an obstacle in the way of his wants. As he continues to age, he probably feels pressured to take any role offered, no matter how stereotypical, because he knows how limited his options are as an aging actor. In the end, his want is survival and he doesn't want to be lectured by an inexperienced actor about the consequences of his decisions.
9. Describe some possible images in the play and how does the title help us understand the play.
I think the physical placement of the two, standing outside a balcony while the rest of the party rages on conveys that they are and will always be outsiders.
10. Briefly define the family relationships that are examined in the play.
Although the two are not related, respecting elders is a huge value in Asian cultures. Vincent feels disrespected by his younger colleague. Bradley admires Vincent as a mentor but isn't afraid to be highly critical of him. This is highly unusual in Asian cultures and shows another way in which Bradley is challenging the status quo.